The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has launched a formal investigation into the alleged killing of Mr Abdulrahman Mustapha, an incident that occurred near the Federal High Court in Maiduguri on March 22, 2026.
The military’s response follows a wave of social media reports claiming that troops shot the unarmed civilian, also known as “Abchin,” while he was returning from a festive Sallah visit.
The online allegations have characterised the event as an extrajudicial killing, causing public demand for accountability and an independent inquiry into the conduct of the personnel involved.
In a statement released on Wednesday, seen by Securitynewsalert.com, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), emphasised that the Command is treating the matter with the utmost gravity.
“The Theatre Command regards these allegations as very serious and has accordingly initiated appropriate processes to establish the facts,” Uba stated. He noted, however, that preliminary operational indicators suggest the 11:40 p.m. incident “may not be straightforward and could have underlying security implications.”
According to the military’s initial findings, the encounter may have involved elements of a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance cell. Lieutenant Colonel Uba detailed several factors that complicate the “unarmed civilian” narrative, including reports that the individual attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle an act the military classifies as a direct threat to life and a clear indicator of hostile intent.
“The individual was reportedly found in possession of multiple identification cards bearing different names from that cited in the petition, including a foreign identification card from the Niger Republic,” Uba added, suggesting that the use of decoy identities often points toward cross-border infiltration or sleeper cell activity.
The Command further disclosed that the deceased was allegedly in possession of Tutolin Syrup and wraps of suspected Cannabis Sativa at the time of the encounter. Security forces are also searching for two unidentified women who were seen with the individual but fled the scene during the confrontation.
According to the military, the individual’s conduct before the shooting was deemed suspicious enough to prompt a distress call from the local community to the nearest military post.
While the investigation remains ongoing to determine if the troops complied with standard Rules of Engagement, the Theatre Command has urged the public to remain patient as the facts are verified.
“The Theatre Command assures the public that due process will be followed and that any findings will be addressed in accordance with applicable laws and military regulations,” Uba concluded, reaffirming OPHK’s commitment to the protection of human rights while fulfilling its security mandate.
